WAMSIhttp://www.wamsi.org.au
enPremier to launch Marine Science Blueprint at WAMSI conferencehttp://www.wamsi.org.au/news/premier-launch-marine-science-blueprint-wamsi-conference
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.wamsi.org.au/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/styles/news_preview__300x200_/public/WS%20head%20on_web.jpg?itok=quQpodqq" width="200" height="200" alt="" title="Whale Shark (Ningaloo)" /> <p>Western Australian Premier and Minister for Science Hon. Colin Barnett MLA will launch the <a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/a-blueprint-marine-science" target="_blank">WA Blueprint for Marine Science 2050 </a>at the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) research conference (30 March-1 April).</p>
<p>The Blueprint is an important initiative that aims to help government, research institutions and industry to better plan and collaborate on the priority marine research needed to support the future prosperity of WA and the nation.</p>
<p>The recommendations are the culmination of comprehensive consultation focusing on the end users of research, business, industry, government and community groups brought together by an independent steering group led by renowned scientist and advocate for collaborative research, <a href="http://www.uwa.edu.au/person/alistar.robertson" target="_blank">E/Prof Alistar Robertson</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<p>Premier Barnett, Professor Robertson and WAMSI CEO Patrick Seares will launch the Blueprint on Wednesday 1<sup>st</sup> April 2015 at 1.30pm at the WAMSI Conference held at the State Library.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/events/wamsi-research-conference-2015" target="_blank"><strong>WAMSI Conference&nbsp; </strong></a></p>
<p>This year’s research conference will deliver progress updates and latest findings from more than 50 WAMSI projects being delivered by its partner organisations forming part of two of the largest marine research programs in Australia.</p>
<p>Among the keynote speakers;</p>
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<strong>EPA Chairman Paul Vogel</strong> will discuss science, knowledge and managing risk through environmental impact assessment;</li>
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<strong>Woodside Energy, Senior Vice President Science and Technology, Shaun Gregory, </strong>will provide an industry perspective on strategic marine science;</li>
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<strong>WA Chief Scientist Peter Klinken </strong>will present his views on the State’s research focus; and</li>
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<strong>WAMSI CEO Patrick Seares</strong> will present an overview of research progress, future direction and initiatives to improve collaboration on information.</li>
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<p>Over the course of the three day conference, lead researchers and industry representatives who are working with WAMSI on the <a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/research-category/research-programs-kimberley-0" target="_blank">Kimberley Marine Research Program</a> and the <a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/dredging-science-node" target="_blank">Dredging Science Node</a> will provide updates on the foundational research supporting these programs including:</p>
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Reports on the most up to date information available for use in dredging operations and management, including lessons learned from the Gorgon Dredging Project at Barrow Island and its application to the management of the Wheatstone Dredging Project at Onslow; and&nbsp;</li>
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Key findings and future direction for marine research being carried out for the first time in the unique conditions that exist off the Kimberley coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
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<p><a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/events/wamsi-research-conference-2015" target="_blank"><strong>WAMSI Conference 2015 </strong></a></p>
<p>Location: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The State Library of Western Australia</p>
<p style="margin-left:36.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Perth Cultural Centre, 25 Francis Street, Perth</p>
<p>Date: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Monday 30 March - Wednesday 1 April 2015.</p>
<p>Cost: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong><a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/event-registration?event=WAMSI%20Research%20Conference%202015">Free but registration required by Monday 23<sup>rd</sup> March</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/files/2015%20WAMSI%20Conference%20Program%2024_2_15%282%29.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to view the full conference schedule</a> (as at 26/02/2015)</p>
<p>More information including conference schedule updates, abstracts and audio/PowerPoint presentations will be made available on the <a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/events/wamsi-research-conference-2015">WAMSI Conference 2015 webpage</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<a href="/news-category/dredging-science" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dredging Science</a> <a href="/news-category/kimberley-marine-research-program" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kimberley Marine Research Program</a> <a href="/news-category/research-conference-2015" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Research Conference 2015</a> Thu, 26 Feb 2015 08:17:55 +0000Aleta554 at http://www.wamsi.org.auThe Kimberley coastline: what lies beneath?http://www.wamsi.org.au/news/kimberley-coastline-what-lies-beneath
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.wamsi.org.au/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/styles/news_preview__300x200_/public/early%20morning%20low%20tide%20showing%20exposed%20corals%20at%20hte%20reef%20edge%20and%20turbid%20water%20200.jpg?itok=0PJ59Edg" width="200" height="200" alt="" title="early morning low tide exposed corals" /> <p>The ocean bottom supports communities as diverse as those of any habitat on land but learning about what lies beneath the sea off Australia’s remote and hazardous Kimberley coast is presenting many challenges for marine scientists.</p>
<p>One project, which aims to explore and describe the nature of seabed life in the far northwest, is beginning to reveal the diverse nature of life beneath the sometimes swirling, turbid waters.</p>
<p>The results will form the basis for sound decision making to support conservation and sustainable development of marine parks as part of the Western Australian Marine Science Institution’s (WAMSI) <a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/research-category/research-programs-kimberley-0" target="_blank">Kimberley Marine Research Program</a>.</p>
<p>Project leader, The Australian Institute of Marine Science’s (AIMS) <a href="http://data.aims.gov.au/staffcv/jsf/external/view.xhtml?partyId=100000086" target="_blank">Dr Andrew Heyward</a> explained how the researchers are collecting data where ships carrying scientists and a range of equipment will survey the seabed areas in the southern, central and northern Kimberley. &nbsp;</p>
<p>“This work is the major field activity for the project and consists of five expeditions over the next couple of years. The first, undertaken last November, focussed on mapping the very large area contained within the boundaries of the recently declared Lalang -garram/Camden Sound Marine Park.”</p>
<p>“We mainly used acoustic mapping of depth and seabed shape using multibeam echo sounders combined with direct assessment of habitats on the seabed using towed video cameras,” Dr Heyward said.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QkpeugqVYtM" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Along with researchers from CSIRO and the WA Museum, the scientists will also work with Indigenous groups of the Kimberley coasts, including the sea rangers, who will provide additional information about shallow near shore areas.</p>
<p>“The initial survey has revealed very complex seabed shapes in some places, particularly close to island edges and narrow channels, where the extreme tides caused strong currents,” Dr Heyward said. “In those places the seabed was fairly hard, being either exposed rocky ground or pavement with a veneer of coarse sand.</p>
<p>Those sorts of places often supported low to medium density patches of filter feeding organisms like sponges and sea fans.”</p>
<p>High resolution photos also revealed very diverse life was often present on submerged rocks and ledges, but many of the organisms were small or encrusting. The researchers anticipate that many new species, both large and small, will be discovered once samples are identified back at the WA Museum.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/images/mixed%20brozoans%20soft%20corals%20sponges%20and%20seafans%20on%20a%20rock_web.jpg" style="width: 274px; height: 273px;" /></p>
<p>In the northern part of the Lalang -garram/ Camden Sound Marine Park, an archipelago of islands provides a range of different habitats, including fringing reefs where, at low tide, abundant areas of coral can be seen exposed on the edges of the reef flats.</p>
<p>In contrast the deeper and more open bay areas of Camden Sound typically had fewer exposed rocky areas of seabed, but were frequently large areas of sand, including in a few places, large underwater sand dunes formed by the strong tidal currents.</p>
<p>“So the large open part of the Lalang -garram/Camden Sound zoned for whale sanctuary, is kind of like a big sandpit for them to frolic in,” Dr Heyward said.</p>
<p><em>Mixed brozoans soft corals sponges &amp; seafans on rock</em></p>
<p>The researchers found that during spring the tidal currents caused increased turbidity, making camera work very challenging. The turbid water also greatly reduced the amount of light reaching the seabed.</p>
<p>“When we measured this it was quite common for little or no light to reach below depths of 10-15m below low tide,” Dr Heyward said. “This observation explains why organisms that rely on light for growth were not found in the broader parts of the bay which were typically 20-40m deep. So things like seaweeds and reef building corals tend to be close to the edges on hard rocky ground that is not too deep.”</p>
<p>A second expedition back to Camden Sound will commence this March. While further mapping of the seabed will continue, that expedition will also allow the scientists from AIMS, CSIRO and WA Museum, to collect samples of the biota. These samples will form the basis of the Kimberley project’s biodiversity reference collection at the WA Museum.</p>
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<p><strong><em>The $30 million </em><a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/research-category/research-programs-kimberley-0" target="_blank"><em>Kimberley Marine Research Program</em></a><em> is funded through major investment supported by $12 million from the Western Australian government co-invested by the WAMSI partners and supported by the Traditional Owners of the Kimberley.&nbsp; </em></strong></p>
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<a href="/news-category/kimberley-marine-research-program" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kimberley Marine Research Program</a> Thu, 26 Feb 2015 07:50:41 +0000Aleta553 at http://www.wamsi.org.auWAMSI research finds northwest seagrass in a world of its ownhttp://www.wamsi.org.au/news/wamsi-research-finds-northwest-seagrass-world-its-own
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.wamsi.org.au/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/styles/news_preview__300x200_/public/Halophila%20ovalis%20meadow%20at%20Thevenard%20Is.jpg?itok=YUO1v04W" width="200" height="200" alt="" title="Halophila ovalis meadow at Thevenard Is" /> <p>Groundbreaking research into the sensitivity of seagrasses off the northwest coast has uncovered unique behaviour that could lead to a re-think in the way the region is managed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The seagrasses off Western Australia are the most extensive and diverse of any region in the world with 26 species in 11 genera, accounting for more than 35 per cent of all species currently described globally.</p>
<p>The submerged flowering plants play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, filtering harmful chemicals and nutrients, and sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. Tropical seagrasses are also a critical food source for fauna such as dugong and green turtles, but little is known about populations off the subtropical northwest .</p>
<p>A Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) <a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/dredging-science-node" target="_blank">Dredging Science Node</a> project has brought together researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU), The University of Western Australia (UWA) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to measure the effects of light reduction and sediment burial to determine the capacity for northwest seagrasses to withstand change.</p>
<p>Tolerance levels have previously been determined for seagrasses in the southwest but they are very different to the species off the far northwest coast according to ECU <a href="http://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/natural-sciences/staff/profiles/professors/professor-paul-lavery" target="_blank">Professor Paul Lavery</a>.</p>
<p>“In the southwest, the dominant species of seagrasses have large storage organs and carbon reserves, and produce large non-dormant seeds,” Professor Lavery said. “Because of their considerable carbon reserves, when they are placed under stress by dredging operations, they draw on those carbon reserves and can survive for several months.</p>
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<img alt="James McLouglin and Roisin McCallum establish a field experiment at Thevenard Is. to determine the mechanisms and rate of seagrass recovery" src="/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/images/James%20McLouglin%20and%20Roisin%20McCallum%20establish%20a%20field%20experiment%20at%20Thevenard%20Is_%20to%20determine%20the%20mechanisms%20and%20rate%20of%20seagrass%20recovery.jpg" style="width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right;" /></td>
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<em style="text-align: right;">James McLouglin and Roisin McCallum establish<br />
a field experiment at Thevenard Is. to determine<br />
the mechanisms and rate of seagrass recover</em></td>
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<p>“The seagrass species up north are much smaller, producing small dormant seeds that lay waiting in sediments. They appear to be much more sensitive to changes in light and sediment cover. However we need to be cautious,” he said. “While they may show a rapid response to dredging-induced changes, we don’t really understand yet if they can recover quickly from those impacts. It’s possible that a few months after complete loss, the meadow returns from seed.”</p>
<p>The researchers are conducting a combination of field studies and controlled laboratory experiments.</p>
<p>“We’re working in the Pilbara areas around Exmouth Gulf and Thevenard Island (about 20km off Onslow),” Professor Lavery said. “We’ve been going up every few months to measure characteristics of the meadows, from when they grow, to when they die off and how much biomass there is. This is information we just don’t have for seagrasses in the north.”</p>
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<img alt="Northern sites_Mick Haywood" src="/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/images/Norther%20sites_Mick%20Haywood_S.png" style="width: 400px; height: 265px;" /></td>
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<em>Research sites in the Pilbara areas around Exmouth Gulf and Thevenard Island</em></td>
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<p>The research program is focused on gaining information that is useful and relevant in a systematic way. An initial recommendation from the research is that pre-development surveys and ongoing monitoring programs for seagrass should consider the time of year. In the month of June, for example, there appears to be no seagrass meadows. It’s not until September that they start to grow back.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“This most basic and fundamental piece of information we didn’t understand before,” Professor Lavery said. “This in turn will save money for companies as they often conduct costly surveys when seagrass is not naturally present.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;We’ve now conducted field studies in several locations to see if the same sort of patterns exist in each location and so far we’re finding that different places have different patterns, which makes things more complicated and is going to make advising government and industry more challenging.”</p>
<p>Off Thevenard Island the researchers removed seagrasses from both shallow and deep water meadows to observe how the system recovers.</p>
<p>“We wanted to see if the meadows can recover from seed or by material drifting in from elsewhere,” Professor Lavery said. “So far we aren’t seeing any recovery by seed. There seems to be a need to have vegetative material available for it to grow back. So it’s back to the lab now to find out the capacity for the seagrasses to withstand change.”</p>
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<p><strong><em>The WAMSI </em><a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/dredging-science-node" target="_blank"><em>Dredging Science Node</em></a><em> is made possible through $9.5 million invested by Woodside, Chevron and BHP as environmental offsets. A further $9.5 million has been co-invested by the WAMSI Joint Venture partners, adding significantly more value to this initial industry investment. The node is also supported through critical data provided by Chevron, Woodside and Rio Tinto Iron Ore. </em></strong></p>
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<a href="/news-category/dredging-science" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dredging Science</a> Thu, 26 Feb 2015 07:12:11 +0000Aleta552 at http://www.wamsi.org.auGoing with the flow in the Kimberleyhttp://www.wamsi.org.au/news/going-flow-kimberley
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.wamsi.org.au/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/styles/news_preview__300x200_/public/Mike%20Travers%20Dept%20Fisheries%20collects%20damselfishes%20at%20low%20tide%20from%20a%20temporate%20rockpool%20at%20Sunday%20Island%20PHOTO%20Oliver%20Berry%20CSIRO%20200.png?itok=U22sq84u" width="200" height="200" alt="" title="Mike Travers (Dept Fisheries) collects damselfishes &lt;BR&gt; at low tide at Sunday Island Photo: Oliver Berry" /> <p>A Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) project is using genetics to see how ocean currents in the Kimberley transport marine organisms from one reef to another.</p>
<p>Bardi-Jawi rangers, Mayala traditional owners and researchers from four WAMSI partner institutions recently conducted field studies along the remote and rugged coastline, collecting samples on exposed reefs at low tide between the 12 metre tidal surges around the Dampier Peninsular and Buccaneer Archipelago.</p>
<p>“We collected seagrasses, corals, fishes and trochus shells that live in the intertidal zone which is exposed at low tide,” CSIRO’s Dr. Oliver Berry said.</p>
<p>“We selected these species to represent the types of organisms that are common in the Kimberley. Some are also commercially, recreationally or culturally important like the trochus shell and stripey snapper, or form key habitats like seagrass and corals.”</p>
<p><img alt="Sites sampled Dampier Peninsular and Buccaneer Archipelago" src="/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/images/Sites%20sampled%20Dampier%20Peninsular%20and%20Buccaneer%20Archipelago_2.png" style="float: right; width: 768px; height: 525px;" /></p>
<p><em>Sites sampled Dampier Peninsular and Buccaneer Archipelago</em></p>
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<p>The researchers are using scans of the organisms’ genomes to measure the genetic relationships between different reefs and seagrass beds. The more genetically similar the organisms from different reefs are, the more movement occurs between them.</p>
<p>“When you consider managing a marine resource you have to understand what drives population dynamics,” Dr. Berry said. “For some populations whether they are growing or shrinking is driven locally by births and deaths. But, especially in places where there are strong tides and currents, it’s possible that even populations quite distant from each other are strongly interdependent because organisms move between them a lot.” &nbsp;</p>
<p>“A seemingly large area like the Kimberley can be very linked if hydrodynamics (ocean currents) drive those population linkages. So if there was a disaster at one location, if that population was insular, or locally driven, it may take a long time for it to recover. But if the population was linked to other areas then it may recover more rapidly. What we’re trying to do is to better understand these relationships between populations.</p>
<p>“Of course it’s a difficult thing to study because most movement in marine species occurs when they are tiny eggs, seeds, or larvae. Genetics is a way to indirectly measure movement, and it’s becoming increasingly cost-effective and powerful with the development of genome sequencing technologies,” Dr. Berry said.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The research being undertaken by WAMSI with scientists from Edith Cowan University, AIMS, Department of Fisheries, WA and the Western Australian Museum, is expected to uncover a range of different patterns reflecting the exposure to currents of different reefs and the different life histories of the organisms.</p>
<p>“For example, looking at the patterns in the trochus shell, we know it has a short larval stage and that some fishes have longer ones,” Dr Berry said. “We expect this to mean fish get transported further and that these differences will be reflected in the genetic relationships between populations.”</p>
<p>“This is the first time anyone has attempted anything like this in the Kimberley, and anywhere in the world in such a macro-tidal environment,” he said.</p>
<p>“Now that there is increasing interest in developing the region we need to get a baseline understanding of how the ecosystem works, so that it can be managed effectively,” Dr Berry said. “We expect to have some results by the end of this year.”</p>
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<p><strong><em>[The $30 million <a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/research-category/research-programs-kimberley-0">Kimberley Marine Research Program</a> is funded through major investment supported by $12 million from the Western Australian government co-invested by the WAMSI partners and supported by the Traditional Owners of the Kimberley.]</em></strong></p>
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<a href="/news-category/kimberley-marine-research-program" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kimberley Marine Research Program</a> Thu, 26 Feb 2015 06:17:29 +0000Aleta550 at http://www.wamsi.org.auA new look at the Leeuwin Current http://www.wamsi.org.au/news/new-look-leeuwin-current
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<p>New research has revealed further insights into the formation of the globally unusual poleward-flowing Leeuwin Current and the role it plays in sustaining the marine ecosystems of the Ningaloo Reef.</p>
<p>In <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278434315000035">a recently published study</a> researchers from The University of Western Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science investigated three-dimensional ocean circulation on the continental shelf as part of WAMSI’s <a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/research-category/ningaloo">Ningaloo Research Program</a>.</p>
<p>The team made a variety of detailed field measurements that extended along a large portion of the Ningaloo coast (~70 km), enabling a whole-of-reef scale synoptic view of variability over several spring and summer months.</p>
<p>“This was the first time anyone had attempted field oceanographic observations on such a broad scale at Ningaloo,” team member UWA Professor Greg Ivey said. “It was exciting to be able to use the data to start looking into how seasonal transitions affect local ocean dynamics, upwelling and downwelling and how this could then be affecting oceanographic features of statewide importance, such as the Leeuwin Current.”</p>
<p>Detailed analysis of the comprehensive dataset has now shown that variability in the currents offshore from Ningaloo were important in controlling the variability in the strength of Leeuwin Current as it progresses down the southern WA coast. It was also found to be important in the localised transport of nutrient rich water from deep below the ocean surface to Ningaloo Reef, a vital process that supports the coral reefs and fisheries of the region.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“The interesting thing is that the Leeuwin Current is very weak on the North West Shelf, just north of Ningaloo,” Professor Ivey said, “yet to the south, it is the dominant current feature of southwestern Australia.”</p>
<p>“Our results confirm that the Ningaloo Peninsula and Shelf region can be considered one of the important formation regions for the Leeuwin Current, and therefore understanding the dynamics of the current at Ningaloo increases not only our local knowledge but also the variability of the Leeuwin current and hence the ecosystems that it supports further south,” AIMS Co-author Dr Richard Brinkman said.</p>
<p>The study: <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278434315000035"><em>Observations of the shelf circulation dynamics along Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia during the austral spring and summer</em></a>, published in the international peer-reviewed journal <em>Continental Shelf Research, </em>was also supported by the Australian Research Council.</p>
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Wed, 04 Feb 2015 03:51:59 +0000Aleta543 at http://www.wamsi.org.auTesting Industry-Government partnership concepts http://www.wamsi.org.au/news/testing-industry-government-partnership-concepts
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.wamsi.org.au/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/styles/news_preview__300x200_/public/Pilbara.JPG?itok=-nqPIY1D" width="284" height="285" alt="" title="Testing Industry-Government partnership concepts " /> <div class="content">
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<p>With expanding offshore development near the Pilbara, the decision to test a bold concept to share the load, and cost, of observing and modelling metocean conditions that would improve operational decisions, especially around severe weather events, has proven timely.</p>
<p>Initial results show there is support across Government and industry for the Pilbara Regional Observing System for Prediction and Enhanced Research (PROSPER).</p>
<p>The concept being investigated by the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) and the WA node of the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) would provide improved regional monitoring to enhance confidence in models and risk assessments through a shared network of monitoring and data.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The initial findings clearly leaves the door open for a continuing conversation in this area identifying that a range of factors are aligning that will make a more collaborative approach to data, modelling and observing a real possibility in the near future.</p>
<p>The concept was tested late last year by an independent consultant, alongside a representative of WAIMOS, through face to face interviews with key industry.</p>
<p>“The independent interview process was important to establish the genuine willingness of industry and others for this concept, or to consider alternative approaches to better partnerships in this area,” Professor Chari Pattiaratchi, then node-leader of the WAIMOS said. “Of course the research sector is already sold on the idea of shared costs for modelling and better access to industry data.”</p>
<p>The major outcome of the PROSPER project was that it was perceived to be too soon for the many stakeholders in the Pilbara region to see the benefit in supporting a collective operational ocean observing and prediction system in the Pilbara. The concept of sharing real-time data collection infrastructure was fresh but reservations quickly crept in about sharing of broader historical data sets and sensitive company knowledge.</p>
<p>Most interviewees agreed enhanced monitoring and predictive capacity was important.&nbsp; But while the concept was supported in principle, industry was not ready to commit to the full PROSPER framework at this time.</p>
<p>“The PROSPER concept in its entirety was always ambitious and the interviews show there is genuine support for certain parts of the concept around data sharing and modelling, that means we’ll continue to work with industry and government to grow collaboration in this area,” Professor Pattiaratchi said.</p>
<p>WAMSI CEO Patrick Seares said the process has provided a lot of useful feedback that needs to take seriously but two things stand out.</p>
<p>“Firstly, our colleagues in the offshore industry are suffering ‘concept fatigue’ from all the various ideas proposed by different groups in the research sector. I think we need to be more coordinated to manage this,” he said.</p>
<p>“Secondly, while this wasn’t the right time, a number of different factors are converging that may make something akin to PROSPER feasible in the northwest soon. So we need to take on the advice about being a little more focussed and specific about operational implications but keep the conversation with operators and Government going in this area.”</p>
<p>The good news is that even now operators in the oil and gas industry are voluntarily exploring ways to make some of their information more accessible. WAMSI partners are assisting in that effort.</p>
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Wed, 04 Feb 2015 03:38:39 +0000Aleta542 at http://www.wamsi.org.auCooperating with industry to better predict dredging sediment plumeshttp://www.wamsi.org.au/news/cooperating-industry-better-predict-dredging-sediment-plumes
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.wamsi.org.au/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/styles/news_preview__300x200_/public/dredging%20at%20wheatstone_0.jpg?itok=p1B3PAYq" width="300" height="300" alt="" /> <p>Much of the research being conducted through WAMSI’s $19 million <a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/dredging-science-node">Dredging Science Node</a> is delivering benefits to industry as well as regulatory agencies and the marine environment. Some of the field work requires close cooperation between researchers and those conducting active marine dredging operations in the Pilbara.</p>
<p>Dr Graham Symonds from CSIRO leads the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wamsi.org.au/research-site/characteristics-sediments">multidisciplinary WAMSI research team</a> investigating the characteristics of sediment plumes generated by dredging operations associated with the Chevron-operated <a href="http://www.chevronaustralia.com/our-businesses/wheatstone">Wheatstone</a> Project near Onslow. The ultimate objective of the research is to improve predictions of the zones of impact, and to provide the datasets necessary to map ecological responses for future dredging operations.</p>
<p>“Our two periods of fieldwork to date have been good examples of two-way cooperation,” said Graham.</p>
<p>“Chevron and the port authorities were very accommodating in terms of where we needed to collect samples and data during active dredging operations.”</p>
<p>The team used a number of different methods and instruments to look at what was actually happening in the water column in the area around dredging operations.</p>
<p>“We collected samples and data about sediment size and characteristics at a wide range of different depths and locations using a diversity of instrumentation,” said Graham. “In addition, another WAMSI project led by <a href="http://remotesensing.curtin.edu.au/people/index.cfm/P.Fearns">Dr Peter Fearns</a> from Curtin University made ground-truth observations that will help improve the accuracy with which sediment plumes can be monitored by satellite.”</p>
<p>“The staff at the <a href="http://www.phpa.com.au/Port-of-Ashburton">Port of Ashburton</a> – the guys who actually manage all the on-water operations in the area – were also very accommodating to our request to install a mooring (containing longer-term water quality monitoring equipment),” recalled Graham. “The resultant long term water quality data will be very helpful for the success of our research project.”</p>
<p>The data collected from an active dredge program, in addition to the environmental monitoring datasets collected by industry that have been made available to WAMSI, are beginning to contribute to better numerical modelling of the characteristics of sediment plumes from dredging operations. Combined with results coming in from other projects within WAMSI’s Dredging Science Node, greater certainty will be possible in future when predicting the real impacts of marine dredging projects, and how best to minimise them.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.chevronaustralia.com/">Chevron Australia’s</a> Marine HES Advisor, Daniel Kelleher, said that Chevron and its subcontractors worked well with WAMSI researchers to achieve successful outcomes amidst a challenging marine environment.</p>
<p>"The team of scientists from WAMSI safely completed complex plume monitoring tasks within the Wheatstone Project marine construction work area on numerous occasions. Simultaneous operations were well-planned and communicated across WAMSI, Chevron, our prime contractor and marine dredging subcontractor to ensure that all parties could achieve their objectives in the complex marine work environment,” said Daniel.</p>
<p>“Communications between Chevron and the WAMSI team were excellent throughout the planning and execution of the works, ensuring marine safety and environmental protection values were maintained at all times. Information collected through WAMSI and Chevron working together will allow for improvements in best practice environmental management for future dredging programs,” said Daniel.</p>
Tue, 03 Feb 2015 06:51:19 +0000Aleta541 at http://www.wamsi.org.auSecrets of the green sea turtle revealed http://www.wamsi.org.au/news/secrets-green-sea-turtle-revealed
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<p>It’s turtle nesting season and the Nyul Nyul Rangers have been recording this unique event on the Kimberley coast to learn more about the genetics of the green sea turtle and help ensure its survival.</p>
<p>The rangers joined scientists from CSIRO and the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) to monitor and record turtle nesting sites across the Lacepede Islands and gather skin samples for genetic research. The field trip was held from December 5-11, 2014.</p>
<p>Nyul Nyul Ranger Ninjana Walsham said green turtles were listed as vulnerable to extinction which was why it was so important to find out more about their genetics. He said the research trip was a success with the group exceeding proposed targets and collecting 48 genetic samples and installing 12 remote sensors.</p>
<p>“We went out at night when they were nesting and there were just heaps of turtles everywhere on the beach. Before the female went to lay her eggs, we took just a little skin sample from the back right flipper,’’ Ninjana said.</p>
<p>“That information will be used to tell us how turtles are related and a bit about their family tree. It’s pretty amazing that from one little bit of tissue you can get all that information.</p>
<p>“We also tagged some of the turtles. They now have their own number so we can keep track of them and record information about them. We’ll use this information for future knowledge and to help us with management plans so we can continue to protect them.’’</p>
<p>Genetic sampling of sea turtles forms part of a two-year project by WAMSI to work out relationships between different turtle nesting groups, identify when and where turtles nest in the region and to assess possible climate change impacts to the species.</p>
<p>What is already known about green turtles is that adults can weigh up to 300kg and live for more than 80 years. Females can lay up to 100 eggs per clutch with nest temperatures determining the sex of the hatchlings. In the wild mostly females are born because incubation temperatures are above 29 degrees.</p>
<p>Ninjana said watching a group of hatchlings being born and make their way into the ocean for the first time was the highlight of the trip.</p>
<p>“There were lots of little hatchlings coming out. We had to help a couple, but it was just pretty amazing and pretty intense,’’ he said.</p>
<p>“It’s good to see that there are heaps of turtles out there nesting and knowing that your country is healthy. Every turtle goes back to the same nest where it was hatched to lay its eggs. We have a lot of turtles which is a really good sign.’’</p>
<p><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2015/02/03/4173451.htm?site=kimberley" target="_blank"><em>Click here to listen to Dr Oliver Berry talking on ABC Kimberley</em></a></p>
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Tue, 03 Feb 2015 06:29:16 +0000Aleta540 at http://www.wamsi.org.auModelling the effect of environmental change on estuarine healthhttp://www.wamsi.org.au/events/modelling-effect-environmental-change-estuarine-health
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<p><span style="font-size:14px;">Modelling the effect of environmental change on estuarine health: the changing role of prediction</span></p>
<p>Presenter: <strong>Associate Professor Matthew R. Hipsey</strong></p>
<p><em>School of Earth and Environment, University of Western Australia </em></p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong>&nbsp;Thursday 5<sup>th</sup> February 2015</p>
<p><strong>Time:</strong> 3:30 – 4.30pm</p>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> CSIRO Auditorium, 147 Underwood Ave, Floreat WA</p>
<p><a href="http://www.clw.csiro.au/division/perth/perthmap.html" title="http://www.clw.csiro.au/division/perth/perthmap.html
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<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p>
<p>Estuaries support multiple ecosystem services vital to Australian society yet remain subject to deterioration despite our management efforts.&nbsp; A particular concern within Australia is understanding how changes to hydrological regimes, due to both water diversions or climate variability, may amplify the effects of existing stresses such as eutrophication, acid sulfate soils, hypoxia and anoxia, and loss of habitat and fish nurseries.&nbsp; Models of estuary dynamics have become widespread, but developing reliable models able to connect hydrological change to water quality and ecosystem “health” remains challenging.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This presentation will document examples of modelling inland estuarine systems taken from across the nation, where coupled 3D finite volume biogeochemical models have been applied and adapted to assess the above management challenges. For many of the areas outlined above it is critical to model the interaction of estuaries with the terrestrial margin, however this capability is currently poorly captured in model systems. Further, the need for more rigorous process and system-scale validation of model predictions is outlined and opportunities for improved uncertainty assessment through model integration with isotope and sensor network data is discussed. Finally, it is argued that new approaches to compute ecosystem services are required in order for models to provide more relevant outputs to decision-makers about management benefits and priorities.</p>
<p><strong>About the speaker</strong></p>
<p>Matt operates a research group within the UWA in the School of Earth and Environment where he works on a range of research projects related to aquatic system science with a particular focus on aquatic biogeochemical modelling and ecohydrology. His research team specialise in the development of advanced approaches to simulate water quality and aquatic ecosystem condition, and have worked on &nbsp;application models to a range of Australian estuaries and numerous lake and wetland environments. He has published over 40 journal articles and 20 conference papers related to a broad variety of aspects of modelling aquatic ecosystems in the last 10 years, and also has substantial experience in applying models to complex real-world problems. He has a long history working with government agencies from around Australia and beyond to recommend management strategies for water quality problems and applying models to support the sustainable use of environmental systems</p>
<p><em>This event is <strong>free </strong>of charge. No RSVP required.</em></p>
<p>Enquiries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:don.mcfarlane@csiro.au" title="mailto:don.mcfarlane@csiro.au
CTRL + Click to follow link">Don McFarlane</a>&nbsp;(08) 9333 6215</p>
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</div>Tue, 27 Jan 2015 05:53:10 +0000michael535 at http://www.wamsi.org.au AMSA Estuaries to Oceanshttp://www.wamsi.org.au/events/amsa-estuaries-oceans
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<p>The 2015 conference committees would like to invite participants to the 52nd Australian Marine Science Association (AMSA) Annual Conference.</p>
<p>From the upper reaches of urban estuaries to the remote seas of the Southern ocean, marine science enables us to understand, conserve and sustainably manage our marine world. The focus of the 2015 AMSA conference,<em> “Estuaries to Oceans”</em> encompasses the importance of transitions, boundaries and connectivity in the dynamics of marine systems.</p>
<p>‘There are some exciting changes to the format of this year’s conference with the introduction of E-poster talks and a more focused approach to themes and symposia. A call for additional themes and symposia is open till 9 January and abstracts will open shortly thereafter. See the program overview and presentations sections for more details.</p>
<p>The conference will be held on the shores of Port Phillip Bay, at Deakin University’s Waterfront campus in the central business district of Geelong. Originally built as woolstores in 1893, the buildings have been extensively renovated to create a modern and impressive campus centre. Geelong is Victoria’s largest regional city and is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, beautiful surf beaches and an amazing wine region.</p>
<p>AMSA2015 – Estuaries to Oceans<br />
Location: Deakin University, Geelong<br />
Date: 5-9 July 2015</p>
<p>For more information please visit <a href="http://www.amsaconference.net/" target="_blank">http://www.amsaconference.net/</a></p>
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Geelong, Australia </div>
</div>Tue, 13 Jan 2015 00:11:32 +0000michael534 at http://www.wamsi.org.au